Can Cancer Be Prevented?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Cancer. No one likes to hear this word. It's a word that brings about images of suffering. Unfortunately, cancer is a reality for far too many people. Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of this illness is that we don't always understand what causes it. And this leaves many people wondering: Can cancer be prevented? If you are one of the many who worries about dealing with cancer in your lifetime, take a look at what you may be able to do to prevent the illness, plus one big tip for coping with its reality.
Be Smart
We don't always know what causes cancer, but we sometimes know of things that make it more likely. If you use an artificial tanning bed, you are more likely to suffer from skin cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, you're more likely to suffer from lung cancer. We can't anticipate every aspect of our health, but we can be smart about our choices. Try to avoid the things that are known cancer-causing agents. It may or may not fully protect you in the long run, but it certainly will keep your risk lower than those who use these regularly.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Because we don't know what causes cancer, it's very important to live as healthy of a lifestyle as you can. It's important to get regular movement in the form of exercise. It's important to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. It's important to avoid obvious toxins and chemicals. It's important to see a doctor for regular checkups. Your lifestyle won't be perfect, and that's OK. But do your best to improve your everyday routine to reduce your risk of developing major disease.
Be Positive
Having a positive mindset is crucial for everything in life. And when it comes to disease, having a positive mindset can help your body fight more efficiently. If you're trying to avoid cancer, think positively. If you're currently fighting cancer, think positively. While it won't serve as a miracle, it can enable your body to fight well, and will improve your quality of life in the process.
Don't Blame Yourself
Cancer is unpredictable. If you are diagnosed with cancer in your lifetime, the most important thing that you can do is to not blame yourself. We don't understand this illness. We don't know why it attacks or why it grows. Do your best to live a healthy life and make good choices as much as you can. Some kinds of cancer may be preventable, and some kinds of cancer may not be. Live in the moment, love your life, and enjoy all the time you're given to the best of your ability.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Encinitas, Calif.